Rubio Defends Iran Deal as Trump Says Talks Near Final Stage
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · May 24
Rubio Defends Iran Deal as Trump Says Talks Near Final Stage
10 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · May 24
Marco Rubio said he expects “some good news” within hours, defending the Trump administration’s push for an agreement to end the war with Iran.
Republican hawks have attacked the emerging deal and urged Washington to restart hostilities against Tehran, putting Rubio on the defensive as an accord appears close.
In New Delhi, Rubio said the last 48 hours brought significant—though not yet final—progress on keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and addressing Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The talks aim to secure unrestricted global shipping through the strait without tolls while curbing Iran’s path to nuclear weapons, making the deal a test of Trump’s effort to halt the conflict.
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2026 US-Iran Conflict: Ceasefire Talks, Strait of Hormuz, and Global Oil at Stake
Overview
As of May 24, 2026, the United States and Iran are close to finalizing a major agreement to de-escalate their conflict, with President Trump announcing that a deal—centered on reopening the Strait of Hormuz—has been largely negotiated and is in its final stages. Both sides are discussing the last details, and officials signal progress as a fragile ceasefire holds. The agreement, structured as a memorandum of understanding, reflects a phased approach, leaving complex issues like Iran’s nuclear program for future talks. The situation remains tense, but there is cautious optimism that a preliminary peace deal will soon be announced.